There are certain things in a kid's life that are non-negotiable. Barney. Dora. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Oh yes, tasty sugary snacks! Thomas the Train also makes the list.
Just ask any two-year-old boy and they will tell you there is only one choo choo. His name, "Thomas!"
Last weekend, Thomas the Train, pulled into the train station at Burnet, Texas, about a 90 minute drive outside of San Antonio.
Yes, that's right! Thomas the Train himself rode into town. For three days he pulled more than five thousand passengers for 25 minute rides through the heart of the Hill Country.
You could see little boys and girls totally excited by the site of a real life Thomas the Train. But I can tell you, even us adults, were amazed by it all. When you see the kids you love, so happy, it just makes you appreciate life that much more.
Each year, Thomas the Tank Engine tours different towns around the United States. In Texas, Thomas visits Burnet, Palestine and Arlington.
Besides getting to ride the famous fictional train, families get to enjoy shows that feature storytellers, music, magicians, arts and crafts and lots of food. You can even meet Sir Topham Hatt at the weekend event.
The Burnet show is sponsored by the Austin Steam Train Association. Paul Bright, the Community Outreach Director, says it is good times for all.
"I mean it is stunning," Paul said, "because these little kids, two-year-old kids, see Thomas and he is real! And so they will come running from very far away just to say hi to Thomas. And of course you can see by just looking around how excited everybody is. It's a lot of fun."
Check out My SA.com/City Brights video attached with my blog. Besides Paul's full interview, you can see Thomas rolling down the tracks to a pretty cool tune! Call the kids and I guarantee they will be dancing!
If you missed the Thomas the Train ride in the Hill Country, you can still make the Halloween and Christmas special theme train rides. For more information, visit www.austinsteamtrain.org.
And Thomas the Train, thank you for those special moments. All aboard!
